Available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and e-book editions.

A CURSE DARK AS GOLD

As Charlotte struggles to manage the difficulties she inherits along with Stirwaters Woollen Mill, she discovers a shadow world at the fringes of the familiar: Dark magic, restless spirits, a mysterious Helper. A wicked uncle, an age-old curse.... How can Charlotte prevail with such forces allied against her? In this novel inspired by “Rumpelstiltskin,” the miller’s daughter of the fairy tale comes to life as a young woman determined to save her family and her mill--whatever the cost.

Reviews & Honors:
*Winner of the William C. Morris Award for a Young Adult Debut

*An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

*A Smithsonian Notable Book

*A Kansas Notable Book

*An Amelia Bloomer Project selection

*Finalist for the Cybils Award

*An Oprah's Book Club Kids' Reading List Teen Selection

*Justine Magazine Spark selection

"Bunce blends multiple elements in her savory stew of genres—mystery,
romance, work, and chicanery simmer in a rich broth... a tale that is as spooky
and suspenseful as it is satisfying."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

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"Beautifully told, with a vivid historical setting, endearing characters, and a suspenseful and unpredictable plot. Bunce spins an innovative and believable story that captures the heart and magic of the original fairytale. The well-crafted writing grabs readers from the first paragraph and keeps them hanging for the ride."
Children's Literature Review. Read full review.

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"Ghosts, witchcraft, elements of Georgian society, and much earlier folk magic in the guise of a novel of manners. A rich opening to Jane Austen's world for teens."
School Library Journal

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"In this slow-simmering but rewarding retelling, first-novelist Bunce presents an innovative interpretation of Rumpelstiltskin. The result is a fully realized dramatic conflict characterized by the folkloric magic of memory imprinted upon place; inherited legacies; and the power of recognition, recompense, and forgiveness." Horn Book

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"In a hefty, thoughtful Rumpelstiltskin tale, Charlotte Miller fights and strains and sacrifices to embody her surname. As stubborn Charlotte fiercely defends Stirwaters [Woollen Mill] against physical and financial ruin... secrecy and fear lead to a near-loss of her infant son to the Rumpelstiltskin figure, a classic tortured ghost from ages past. His origins unravel the tangled mystery."
Kirkus Reviews

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"A rich, compelling story... Readers will be drawn into the mystery of the mill, its supposed curse and the little man who offers unconventional assistance." KLIATT

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"Let’s just make this perfectly clear: I loved this book. Fairy tales retold are pretty much a sure thing with me, but this one’s a humdinger. Think you know Rumpelstiltskin? Think again."
Sarah Miller, author of Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller. Read full review.

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"Cursehas loads of atmosphere and the story feels familiar but, at the same time, new and different and surprising. ...Fantastic. Highly, highly recommended."
Bookshelves of Doom. Read full review.

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"An intelligent, original, and interesting new take on an old fairy tale, and a marvelous debut novel.”
Teen Book Review. Read full review.

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"In a debut novel that kept me up at night and had its characters dancing their way through my dreams, Elizabeth C. Bunce has managed to spin a tale worthy of any folklorist’s admiration."
Julie M. Prince, YA Books Central. Read full review.

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"Bunce has clearly defined herself as “one to watch” and I’ll be first in line to see whatever it may be that she has hidden up her sleeve next. A good start to an authorial career." Betsy Bird, Fuse # 8. Read full review.

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"Such an excellent retelling of Rumpelstiltskin that I almost decided to like the original tale! Bunce's beautiful writing blew me away and I loved the interesting and subtle touches of otherness."
One Librarian's Book Reviews. Read full review.

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"Charlotte is such a determined, capable character, you quickly find yourself rooting for her to succeed, even though you can't imagine how she'll pull it off."
Sondra Ecklund, Sonderbooks. Read full review.

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"A Curse Dark as Gold is, beyond a doubt, the best fairy tale retelling I have ever had the pleasure of reading."
Book Smugglers Read full review.